CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios believes the U.S. Congress will not reject his request to repurpose $414 million leftover Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUC) to support the local economy.
Palacios has asked CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds to introduce legislation in congress to have the leftover pandemic funding be reallocated for economic recovery and development, enhancing private sector and public services.
Earlier, the U.S. Department of Labor told Palacios that it cannot authorize the use of the remaining pandemic funds outside of its intended purpose. The funding was allocated for the CNMI but was unused.
“I’d be very surprised if Congress says no,” Palacios said. “Congress can do anything. They can introduce anything… It is a hard sell, but you are never going to get there if you don't try.”
According to Palacios, the repurposing of PUA and FPUC funds will use $231 million for economic recovery, $120 million to strengthen economic services, $55 million for public health priorities, and $8 million for economic enhancement.
He said the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority would play a major role in the initiative.
